Brief Summary
This video features a discussion about the intercession of saints, particularly addressing concerns about how Mary or other saints in heaven can hear and respond to prayers without possessing omnipresence. The conversation uses biblical passages to illustrate that God can make the prayers and needs of those on Earth known to those in heaven, similar to how angels and figures in the Bible are shown to be aware of earthly events.
- Biblical evidence suggests that those in heaven are aware of events on Earth through God's revelation.
- The ability of saints to intercede does not require them to be omnipresent.
- Personal theological shifts should be driven by scripture, not by seeking approval from others.
Introduction
The video begins with Eric inviting Jonathan to discuss his views on the intercession of saints. Eric challenges Jonathan's assumption that Mary would need to be omnipresent to hear prayers, a concept Jonathan seemed to be critical of. Eric emphasises that his own views evolved from a staunch Protestant perspective due to his interpretation of the Bible and the beliefs of those who preserved the early church.
Revelation 5: Prayers of the Saints
Jonathan reads Revelation 5:8-12, which describes elders in heaven holding bowls full of incense, representing the prayers of the saints. Eric questions why these figures are holding the prayers and what they are doing with them. He highlights that only an omniscient God can understand all languages, questioning how John could understand every creature in heaven and on earth praising God. Jonathan concedes that God revealed this to John, which Eric uses to illustrate that God can also make known the prayers of people on Earth to those in heaven.
Revelation 8 and 6: The Prayers of the Saints and Martyrs
Jonathan reads Revelation 8:2-5, which describes an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints. Eric asks why God has put the angel in charge of carrying the prayers of saints to God, suggesting this is God's ordained order. Jonathan then reads Revelation 6:9-11, where martyred souls ask God to avenge their blood. Eric points out that God informs them that more Christians will be martyred before vengeance is served, proving that God can reveal future events to those in heaven. He suggests that these martyrs would likely pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ who are still on Earth.
Revelation 19 and Matthew 18: Heavenly Awareness
Jonathan reads Revelation 19:1, which describes those in heaven rejoicing over the destruction of Babylon. Eric questions how they could know about this event on Earth if they were not made aware of earthly events. He then references Matthew 18:10, where Jesus warns against harming little ones because their angels in heaven always see the face of God. Eric asks how these angels know what is happening to the children on Earth, concluding that God makes it possible.
Luke 15 and 16: Rejoicing in Heaven and the Rich Man and Lazarus
Jonathan reads Luke 15:7 and 10, noting that there is joy in heaven and among the angels when sinners repent. Eric states that this implies those in heaven are aware of earthly events. He then summarises Luke 16:19-23, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, and has Jonathan read verses 24-25, where Abraham knows how the rich man and Lazarus lived on Earth. Eric highlights that Abraham's knowledge of events on Earth centuries after his death demonstrates that those in heaven can be aware of earthly happenings through the Holy Spirit. Jonathan reads Luke 16:27-29, where the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers. Eric points out that Abraham knew about Moses and the prophets, who came long after Abraham's death, again showing awareness of earthly events.
Conclusion: Biblical Basis for Intercession of Saints
Eric concludes that the Bible does not support the idea that those in heaven are unaware of events on Earth. He states that this belief is a Protestant tradition that contradicts scripture. He emphasises that his change in position was driven by the Bible, not by a desire for approval. Jonathan admits that his misunderstanding was about how Mary could hear all prayers without an attribute of God, but he now understands that the Holy Spirit makes it possible. Eric adds that in Revelation 5:13, the miracle was not John understanding all languages, but the Holy Spirit enabling him to understand them in his own language. He encourages Jonathan to explore his playlist on the intercession of saints for more information. Eric ends by sharing his prayer: to be guided by the Holy Spirit to all truth, to accept and correct himself when wrong, and to seek God's pleasure above the praise of men.
